Hydrogen-Powered Construction
National Highways has announced a pioneering initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the Lower Thames Crossing. The company plans to utilize hydrogen-fueled plant machinery, marking the first major UK infrastructure development to adopt hydrogen as a primary power source for its heavy construction machinery.
While small-scale hydrogen generators have been trialed in projects like HS2, the Lower Thames Crossing represents a monumental leap forward. The project is adopting hydrogen on a large scale to fuel essential construction vehicles such as excavators and dump trucks.
Lower Thames Crossing
The Lower Thames Crossing is a visionary road project aiming to connect Kent, Thurrock, and Essex through a tunnel beneath the River Thames. Its primary objective is to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing by diverting approximately 13 million vehicles annually from the area.
Notably, the Lower Thames Crossing is designated as a ‘pathfinder project,’ leading the charge in exploring carbon-neutral construction methodologies. The project anticipates eliminating an estimated 66 million liters of diesel from its work sites, thereby significantly reducing environmental impact.
United Against Carbon
Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, emphasized the urgent need for the construction industry to prioritize carbon reduction. He stated, “As we strive to eliminate carbon emissions from construction, finding viable alternatives to diesel is paramount. Progress on this journey is vital, and the Lower Thames Crossing’s bold step to utilize hydrogen on an unprecedented scale serves as an inspiring example.”
A Greener Future
The Lower Thames Crossing is poised to reshape the construction landscape, demonstrating the transformative power of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. National Highways’ ambitious adoption of hydrogen-fueled plant machinery sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects, encouraging the industry to embrace greener alternatives and forge a path towards a net-zero carbon future.
